Senegal’s cement output impacted by Mali

The prevailing socio-political situation in Mali has had a negative impact on cement production in Senegal. In 3Q12, cement output in Senegal fell by 19 per cent QoQ, according to the Dakar-based Directorate of Forecasting and Economic Studies (DPEE).

The situation in Mali resulted in an 11 per cent drop of local sales and a 5.7 per cent cut in exports during the period. YoY figures also show a six per cent contraction.

''However, accumulated over the first nine months of 2012, the production of cement stabilised by 0.4 per cent and hydraulic cement exports  were down only 2.4 per cent, thanks to the buoyant external sales in the first quarter, that is to say before the sociopolitical tensions in Mali'', said the DPEE.

Earlier this year, Islamist and Tuareg separatists seized control of the northern part of Mali while discontented soldiers staged a coup after the civilian administration was unable to regain control of the country. After the military officially returned power to civilian hands, Cheick Modibo Diarra was made prime minister in April, but in recent weeks soldiers and the prime minister have been at odds over the role of foreign internvention to stabilise the country. On 10 December, Diarra was forced to resign by the military – a move condemned by the UN – and a new prime minister, Dango Sissoko, has now been put in place.